Scammers go door-to-door offering to fix damage from storms

Fraudsters are posing as highways workers and offering to repair damage to homes caused by storms Ciara and Dennis, it was revealed today.

Trading Standards chiefs are warning members of the public after reports of crooks saying they will remove fallen trees and do repairs for cash.

The con artists have been targeting homeowners in East Sussex, which saw around 130 trees knocked down and numerous roads flooded as the bad weather hit the UK. 

Experts also say there tends to be a hike in cold-calling after spells of bad weather.

East Sussex Trading Standards team manager Richard Strawson said: ‘Many residents will be surveying storm damage on their home and will be needing traders to help remove fallen trees, repair fencing or undertake roof repairs. 

‘Experience has shown that rogue traders will often visit areas hit by storms and go door to door offering to undertake such work. 

‘Prices can start cheap but soon escalate with work being done of poor quality or unnecessarily – with residents then unable to contact the trader when things go wrong.’ 

Homeowners look at their flooding at their homes today in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

East Sussex County Council assistant director of operations Karl Taylor added: ‘Teams have been working tirelessly across the county since Storm Ciara hit to make sure our roads were kept open and motorists kept as safe as possible from the effects of the wind and rain.

‘While the worst of storms have passed, flood warnings are still in place and we continue to monitor the situation and will take action where needed.

‘I would like to assure the public that we would never approach residents and offer to carry out work for payment.

‘If anyone is approached by someone claiming to represent East Sussex Highways in this way, please report it directly to the police or to Trading Standards via the consumer helpline.’